Letter from Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-LA) to Richard Clarke. Re: National Security Council's National Infrastructure Assurance Council. Date: January 25, 2001. Source: House Commerce Committee.

January 25, 2001

Mr. Richard Clarke
National Coordinator for Security,
Infrastructure Protection, and Counter-Terrorism
National Security Council
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20506

Dear Mr. Clarke:

As you know, the Committee on Energy and Commerce has been actively involved over the past several years in anti-terrorism matters, particularly in the area of cyber security. Accordingly, I read with interest an article in Monday’s edition of the Wall Street Journal, which discussed the failure of the Clinton Administration to provide to the Congress a final report on the Administration’s efforts to protect the most sensitive government computer networks from cyber attacks by hackers or terrorists. The article notes that a 200-page report was, in fact, prepared, but was never signed by President Clinton or forwarded to the Congress. Under the Defense Authorization Act of 2001, this report was required to be transmitted to the Congress by January 15, 2001.

The article also discusses President Clinton’s last-minute appointments to the National Infrastructure Assurance Council (NIAC), a council created by Executive Order 18 months ago in order to facilitate cooperation between the Federal government and the private sector on ensuring the security of the nation’s electrical grids, telephone systems, and other critical infrastructure systems. As the Committee with jurisdiction over many such systems, I am concerned that President Clinton waited until his last full day in office to finally appoint the first group of members to this critical council.

I understand that your office oversees matters relating to the NIAC and the cyber security report discussed above. In order for the Committee to continue its assessment of the Federal government’s efforts in this vital area, I request that you provide to the Committee the final, cleared version of the above-referenced report on the government’s cyber security efforts. In addition, please provide the Committee with a complete listing of the individuals appointed by President Clinton to the NIAC, along with a copy of each individual’s resume, curriculum vitae, or other biographical background information. Please also indicate whether your office recommended each of these individuals for a position on the NIAC and, if not, specify the individual or entity that recommended such person. Please provide these materials no later than Wednesday, January 31, 2001.